The city of Nome, Alaska rests on the state's western shore, with the bitter Bering Sea its closest recognized neighbor. It has fewer residents (3,598) than the enrollment of Truman State University. It's climate is harsh to say the least, with an average annual temperature five degrees below freezing. "Summer" temperatures reach into the mid-50s, while in the heart of the season the sun rises shortly after 4 a.m., just two hours after it sets.

This isn't exactly a vacation destination, but local pastor John Davison wasn't there earlier this month for rest and relaxation. He was part of a mission trip, helping the local population sustain a place of worship.

"I feel it was something I was supposed to do," he said.

Davison was part of a group of nine who traveled to Nome from Aug. 3-11 to build the Nome Covenant Church. The previous structure had fallen apart after years of being subjected to extreme weather conditions, and the Samaritan's Purse, the same group that helps coordinate Operation Christmas Child, sought people to assist with construction of a new church.

"When I got there, the pastor of the little church said, 'Welcome to Nome, it's 75 miles to the nearest tree,'" Davison said recalled with a laugh.

Davison went because of his experience in construction, but said he spent much of his time serving as more of a pastoral missionary.

"I ended up being more of a chaplain pastor because of the people I met and I was assisting within the body of the church," he said. "I even baptized a family up there."

The church community itself had a congregation of about 50-70 and many in the area were dealing with serious problems, Davison said, with rampant addiction to drugs and alcohol and high suicide rates in the city. He said all in the mission group, which consisted of others from Michigan, California, Ohio, North Carolina and Minnesota, felt the importance of providing a place of worship for those in need.

The construction itself was a kind he'd never experienced, demanding walls 10 inches thick with concrete siding to deflect the 70 mph winds whipping off the Bering Sea. Even with the best insulation, Davison said the church estimated it would require "a couple thousand dollars a month" to heat. It also has special water pumping mechanics to keep a constant flow and prevent freezing.

"It's a very tough place," he said. "Lovely, hearty people. They're proud of their heritage."

The non-denominational church will hopefully provide a place of worship for years to come, he said, while asking local residents for support.

"I hope the people down here will pray for that church," Davison said.

Pastor Davison serves primarily with the East Center Community Church, Illinois Bend Community Church and Willow Bend Church. He said he's a "moderator" in the Sunrise Parrish that also includes churches in Baring, Downing and Millard.